Three things we learned during Gators' 41-14 win against Florida State

No. 11 UF earned a 41-14 win over rival Florida State Saturday to end a five-game skid in the series. Here are the top three things we learned from the Gators’ victory:

1. QB Feleipe Franks deserves some credit for the Gators’ success.

No one shoulders more of the blame than Franks when the Gators lose. But if you are only as good as you record says, then the redshirt sophomore has had a solid second season under center for the No. 11 Gators (9-3).

“I know it’s tough to play quarterback at the University of Florida,” coach Dan Mullen said. “And everybody’s got pretty high standards. But first year in this system, as a redshirt sophomore, he’s put up some pretty good numbers this year.”

Franks has accounted for 29 touchdowns this season, 13 more than any Gator quarterback during a single season since Tim Tebow had 35 in 2009.

On Saturday, Franks shook off the slow start to play arguably his best football against a team he always dreamed of beating on its home field.

The native of Crawfordville, located 25 miles south of Tallahassee, threw three second-half touchdown passes. Franks’ 54-yard pass to Trevon Grimes in the first half followed a perfect play fake on a run-pass option that froze the defense.

Up until then, Franks and the Gators offense were not in sync. But Mullen said that is to be expected, even if everyone else’s expectations of Franks are sometimes unrealistic.

“He’s still a young player,” Mullen said. “You get out there in a big rivalry game and you try to get all the looks in practice, and, you know, it’s a little different sometimes when you get out there when there’s real people coming after you.

“But, I think he really settled down, and I thought he executed pretty well for the most part.”

Franks looked as confident as ever as the Gators pulled away during the second half to snap a five-game losing streak to FSU. The 20-year-old will have to build on the performance and continue to grow, especially with first-year freshman Emory Jones ready to challenge Franks in 2019.

Franks struggled badly during losses to Georgia and Missouri, leading Mullen to bench him. Every week, there have been moments Franks looked skittish in the pocket, tentative with his decision-making and inaccurate with his throws. Saturday was no different. Several times, he did not see open receivers.

Mullen is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks. Often that is simply showing confidence when outside doubts creep in.

No one was doubting Franks after his FSU performance, but Mullen let him knows he will be there for him if things change.

“I don’t leave the office a whole lot, so I don’t understand it,” Mullen said. “I don’t know the opinion that’s always out there. But when you’re a young guy, you’re out there looking at that stuff. I told him after the game, you don’t have to look over your shoulder. We’re gonna believe in you.”

2. Grimes showed signs he could become the big-play wide receiver the Gators have lacked.

The talented Ohio State transfer has flashed potential, but he has been noticeably quiet much of his first season.

On Saturday, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound sophomore finally delivered a performance that capitalized on his considerable skillset.

Grimes finished with career highs of five catches and 118 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown. Three receptions were at least 20 yards, including his 54-yard grab.

The play matched his season-high 54 yards a week earlier against Idaho.

“He had some one-on-one matchups and took advantage of them,” Mullen said. “He has good size, really good hands, and you see the player he can become for us.”

Franks, who is Grimes’ roommate, said he knew it was only a matter of time before Grimes had a big day for the Gators. It could be the first of many.

“He’s done a great job of being patient and just waiting his turn,” Franks said. ”I told him when you get your opportunity just take advantage of it no matter when it is — last game of the season, first game of the season. It doesn’t matter.

“You have to always be ready for your opportunity and take advantage of it. That’s what he did today.”

3. UF sits atop the Big 3 — for now.

The Gators’ first win against FSU since 2012 finally gave them bragging rights in the long-standing series.

UF also sits atop Florida’s Big Three among the Power 5 programs for the first time since the 2012 season and could be there for some time.

FSU (5-7) has been a mess during Willie Taggart’s first season in Tallahassee. It could be awhile before the Seminoles challenge a UF program trending in the right direction under Mullen.

Florida does not face the Miami Hurricanes annually. Based on the record and ranking of the No. 11 Gators (9-3), the Canes clearly are lagging behind in Year 3 under Mark Richt.

UF can double down when the teams meet to open the 2019 season in Orlando.

UM (7-5) has won two games in a row following a four-game losing streak that raised red flags. This week’s dismissal of star player Jeff Thomas raises further questions about the program’s direction under Richt.

Meanwhile, the Gators are coming off a feel-good beatdown or a rival and riding a three-game winning streak likely into a New Year’s Six bowl.

The Big 3 is not what it used to be and is unlikely to return to the glory days of the 1990s, when all three programs contended perennially for the national title. Being No. 1 in Florida still has its benefits, especially in recruiting, where Mullen and his staff are looking to make up ground.